Top 4 Whiteboard Questions of 2023 (so far)!

     When walking into the writing center, you might notice the big pillows on the comfy chairs, or the jar full of Jolly Ranchers. These things are important in creating a welcoming atmosphere in the writing center, along with whiteboard. The whiteboard is a staple in the writing center, providing a source of entertainment and an opportunity for interesting conversation, and conversation is what the writing center is all about! For those of you who are missing your daily dose of whiteboard questions and discussions, here are some the best ones in recent weeks. 

1. If you could affect any historical event, how would you?

    This one is my personal favorite. The question itself is very broad, since you have literally all of human existence to pick from. The answers to this question can tell a lot about someone. It shows what a person is passionate about; the one thing in the entire history of human existence that they find the most interesting. The various answers can also spark more discussions or debates about the effect of intervening in said historical event.

    I didn't write my answer up there, but I think that I would go back in time and stop Phil Collins from writing "In the Air Tonight." We would live in a peaceful society, a utopia if you will, free from those awful five minutes and thirty four seconds. 

 

2. Yes or No? 

    While it may seem like a very simple and trivial question, this is one of the most complex and controversial questions known to man. It is often asked without context, and the answers thus depends completely on personal preference. It removes all logic and creates a situation in which you must defend your answer with nothing but opinions and emotions. It also is a question that encourages creativity. For example, some people responded with "maybe" or "both" instead of the designated "yes" or "no."

3. If you were an inanimate object, what would you be?

      This question requires more than what meets the eyes. One must do some introspection to determine what qualities they feel they most strongly possess, and then find an object that they feel best encompasses those qualities. 

    Like the historical event question, I feel like this question provides lots of insight into people. It reveals how people see themselves, and also how people view certain objects, a perspective that most people don't usually consider. For example, I think that the person who responded with "mug" is more of an introverted person that values the comfort of a hot beverage. 

4. If you could be any type of bread, what kind would you be?

    

   Who doesn't love bread? Similar to the inanimate object question, this question encourages introspection and evaluation. While giving people an opportunity to talk about one of the most delicious foods known to man, this questions introduces people to tastes outside of their comfort zone and encourages curiosity. 

    My favorite answer to this question is banana bread. Not only would I consider myself banana bread, since its the most reliable kind of bread, but it also one of the most delicious substances on planet earth. 

Summary    

The whiteboard is:

• fun and entertaining
• helps facilitate conversations between all people
• encourages collaboration and communication 

    What are your thoughts on these questions? Do you have answer for any of them? Keep in mind that this list contains only a small selection of the endlessly interesting whiteboard questions in the writing center. You can see more, and maybe even suggest one, by visiting the writing center on any given day!